Krishansar Lake – Twin Lake with Incredible Reflections
Krishansar Lake Photos
Everything About Krishansar Lake
In the high Himalayas of Kashmir, where meadows extend as far as the eye can see, and snow-capped summits reach the heavens, lies a special wonder known for its mesmerizing reflections- Krishansar Lake. Nestled beside its sister lake, Vishansar Lake, this alpine lake enchants trekkers with its blueish turquoise deliveries, a clear surface, and the ultimate mirror image of towering mountains surrounding it.
While a vital part of the famed Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL), Krishansar Lake is a prominent stop of the trek. Approximatively 12,200 ft in height, the only way to reach the lake is to trek there, preserving a wild and untouched space away from roads and urbanity.
For the ones that reach Krishansar, the lake is not just a lake. It is a moment of stillness in a wilderness of adventure, it is a canvas where Mother Nature shows her most incredible reflections, and it is a spiritual enclave in the arms of the Himalayas.
This blog takes you deep into the beauty, history and trek to Krishansar Lake and shows you how to get there.
Where is Krishansar Lake Located?
- Location: Ganderbal district, Kashmir Himalayas
- Elevation: ~12,200 ft above sea level
- The trek Route: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, after Vishansar Lake
- Access: Trekking only, part of the route on Day 3 of KGL trek
Krishansar is just 1 km uphill of Vishansar Lake, and together, they form one of the most recognizable twin-lake sites in the Himalayas. The lake is hemmed in by green valleys, grazing pastures, and snow-dusted ridges.
The Meaning of Krishansar
The name Krishansar is of Sanskrit origin: “Krishna ka Sar”, which translates to Lake of Lord Krishna. This purpose makes it both a holy place and a natural wonder. The lake is respected by locals and nomadic shepherds and there are legends that link the lake to the divine.
Best Time to Visit Krishansar Lake
Most of the time the higher lake is closed and snowed under, which can make the first part of the trek dangerous. The best trekking time is summer to early autumn.
Late June – Early July: Snow starts to melt, opening meadows.
July – August: Peak trekking season, wildflowers in bloom, total access to route.
September: Fewer trekkers, excellent reflections, colder nights.
October – June: Inaccessible, too much snow.
Trekking to Krishansar Lake
Starting Point
The adventure begins in Sonamarg which is one of Kashmir’s more picturesque valleys. The trekkers will have a slow, gradual climb passing through beautiful meadows, rivers and a cross over the Nichnai Pass (13,000 ft) before they can view, first Vishansar and then Krishnsar.
Route Highlights
Day 1: Sonamarg → Nichnai campsite
Day 2: Nichnai → Vishansar Lake campsite
Day 3: Trek to Krishansar Lake (camp nearby)
Day 4, Day 5, and so on: Further trek to Gadsar Lake via Gadsar Pass
Trek Grade
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~20–25 km from Sonamarg to Krishansar.
Fitness: This trek is moderate to difficult due to the altitude and finding the stamina on long days of walking.
The Beauty of Krishansar Lake
1. The Reflective Surface:
Krishansar is known for its reflective surface, where the mountains, passing clouds, and even the stars at night, are seen in crisp view. It has the ability to change colours with the sun, depending on the time of day, where you have shades of emerald, turquoise, or sapphire.
2. The Twin Lakes:
Vishansar and Krishansar are so close together, making it a magical place. From one side of Krishansar, you can look back to Vishansar, capturing both lakes in one photo.
3. The Meadows:
The valleys around Krishansar in summer are covered with wildflowers—blue irises, daisies and a plethora of alpine flowers. Gujjar and Bakarwal shepherds camp here with their flocks, adding life and colour to the landscape.
4. The Wildlife:
Marmots peer out of their burrows, birds endemic to the Himalayas hover over the meadows and trout swim in the cold waters of the lakes.
Local Life Around Krishansar
Many times throughout each summer, wandering shepherds will migrate with their sheep, goats, and horses in hand to these upland meadows. One can see these traditional nomadic shepherds in Kashmir while traveling across the landscapes described above. Their beautiful tent villages, and simple way of life, will mix in seamlessly against the background of lush alpine meadows, icy-blue lakes, and towering mountains.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: High mountain flowers, meadows of poppies, primulas, and wild roses.
Fauna: Himalayan marmots, Snow partridges, and ibex on the higher ridges.
Aquatic Life: Lake stream has trout fish.
Activities at Krishansar Lake
Camping: Overnight campers set up tents in meadows near the lake with nights to remember under starry skies.
Photography: The lake offers stunning photo possibilities for reflection and alpine meadows.
Fishing: Local streams are available with required permits for fishing.
Stargazing: Clear, dark, and unpolluted sky provide stunning views of the night sky.
Suggested Itinerary Featuring Krishansar
Arrival Day: Arrive in Srinagar → Drive to Sonamarg → Camp overnight
Day 2: Sonamarg → Nichnai Camp
Day 3: Nichnai → Vishansar Lake → Trek to Krishansar Lake → Camp
Day 4: Krishansar → Gadsar Lake via Gadsar Pass
Day 5: Trek to Satsar Lakes
Day 6: Trek to Gangbal & Nundkol Lakes
Day 7: Descend to Naranag → Drive back to Srinagar
Trekking Tips
Physically Preparing: Build your stamina with cardiovascular exercise and trail practice such as hikes.
Gear Essentials: Trekking footwear, thermal clothing, waterproof jackets, and sleeping bags.
Hydration: Bring a water filter or purification tablets.
Acclimatization: Allow time for high altitude acclimatization.
Use Local Guides: Hire local support to remain safe, oriented and navigate the terrain.
Why Krishansar Lake is Special
Distinctive Reflections: Krishansar is unrivaled by other alpine lakes that reflect their peaks.
Twin Lakes: It is next to Vishansar, which doubles its visual splendor.
Part of the KGL Trek: One of the most photographed points on the trek.
Pristine Wilderness: The only way to access it is via trekking, which preserves it from any environmental degradation.
Conclusion
Krishansar Lake is not just a stopover on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – it is its journey. Its exquisite reflections, jewel-green waters and its meadow of alpine flowers illustrate Kashmir’s unspoiled beauty.
For trekkers, it’s an incentive, for photographers it is nature’s picture-perfect frame, and for travelers it is an explanation about why Kashmir is commonly referred to as paradise on earth.
If you ever have a dream about walking through the Himalayas, let the glimmering reflections of Krishansar Lake be your guiding light.
FAQs on Krishansar Lake
1. Where is Krishansar Lake located?
In the Ganderbal district of Kashmir, near Vishansar Lake, on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek route.
2. What is the altitude of Krishansar Lake?
Around 12,200 ft above sea level.
3. How do I reach Krishansar Lake?
By trekking from Sonamarg via Nichnai Pass and Vishansar Lake.
4. What is the best time to visit Krishansar?
Between July and September, when the snow has melted and meadows are lush.
5. Can you camp near Krishansar Lake?
Yes, the meadows around the lake are popular camping sites.
6. Why is Krishansar Lake famous?
For its crystal-clear reflections of mountains and skies.
7. Is Krishansar connected to Vishansar?
Yes, they are twin lakes located within a kilometer of each other.
8. Are there fish in Krishansar Lake?
Yes, trout fish are found, but fishing requires permission.
9. How difficult is the trek to Krishansar?
Moderate; requires fitness due to altitude and distance.
10. Why should I include Krishansar Lake in my trek?
Because it’s one of the most picturesque and rewarding highlights of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.